Liverpool fans have overwhelmingly voted in favour of safe standing to be introduced to English football.

Supporters' union Spirit of Shankly organised the vote and 88 per cent of the 18,000 who took part would back rail seating inside grounds.

Celtic 's introduced safe standing at the start of last season and that has alerted English teams to the potential of the rail seating to be introduced down south. Tottenham are also looking in ways to reintroduce it.

The online vote followed a public meeting in the centre of Liverpool and consultation with many groups including other supporters, the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) and the Hillsborough Justice Campaign. Standing in English stadia has been outlawed since the tragedy which claimed 96 lives in 1989.

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While some families have spoken individually in favour of rail seating, the official position of the HFSG has been against its introduction. There is no suggestion that has changed.

Jay McKenna, chair of Spirit Of Shankly, said: “It’s an incredible turnout, we aren’t aware of such numbers voting before. It demonstrates to us that we were right to have this discussion and that supporters, families and survivors want to have their say.

“After nine months of discussion, we have now had the vote and it will be taken as the position for Spirit Of Shankly. The size of the turnout majority means that no one can be in any doubt that supporters have had their say and made an informed decision.

“The vote is significant and we know people will see this as backing of rail seating. However we say to anyone who is campaigning for this to understand sensitivities and respect the views of those who disagree. No one wins here, this has been a mature and sensitive conversation and we have arrived at a position.

“Those who have been through incredible heartache and tragedy have every right to be heard and to ask important questions about safety. It was important in our conversations to have these answered. It would be wise for that to take place elsewhere.”